Help me spend money on a new head unit

[dhalsey]

[MENTION=88058]dhalsey[/MENTION] i wouldnt count on that headunit being very snappy with the listed specs. Thats about equivalent to an Android released at least two years ago.

I also cant stand how all these head units claim to be HD and the screen specs out to 800x480. Those "screenshots" arent even close to how it will look in person. Those are photoshopped images to look HD and much more clear than the actual display.

Thanks Nate. That's what I need to hear. Single din and a nexus 7 like Brian's setup is looking like a better option.

 

[NateMob]

I think you would be much happier with that experience. The 2013 Nexus 7 has been put on fire sale a lot lately on Groupon and eBay. Keep an eye out, if i see one ill post up about it.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Plus if you use the N7 and mount it like I did with simple Velcro with a $15 slim case you can just remove the N7 easily when you leave the car.

The N7 battery lasts many hours on Bluetooth. I've gone on trips and used it for more than 6 hours straight streaming music, with GPS always on and with the screen on part time.

 

[wc11]

Every brand has their pluses and minuses. Pick what you like and suit your needs.
Everyone has their personal favorites.
As for power antenna, Alpine puts up the antenna when listening to the tuner and down when not.
And the oem set up uses 2 antennas. The power shaft and on in thew rear passenger glass so you could experience occasional spotty tuner performance as you'll be using just the shaft.

 

[vanion2]

Every brand has their pluses and minuses. Pick what you like and suit your needs.
Everyone has their personal favorites.
As for power antenna, Alpine puts up the antenna when listening to the tuner and down when not.
And the oem set up uses 2 antennas. The power shaft and on in thew rear passenger glass so you could experience occasional spotty tuner performance as you'll be using just the shaft.

If I am not mistaken the mast is for FM and the window antenna is for AM. At least that's how it works for my MR2.

 

[wc11]

It's called diversity antenna.
The OEM head unit amples both antennas for the best possible reception but aftermarket radios don't have this option so the power mast is the go to one.

 

[NateMob]

Thanks Nate. That's what I need to hear. Single din and a nexus 7 like Brian's setup is looking like a better option.

Here ya go brother. Good deal unless you think you would like to hold out for a 32gb version.

Deal: 16GB Nexus 7 (2013) Plus Free Leather Case on Sale for $129 Today Through eBay | Droid Life

 

[NateMob]

And here's a 32gb one.

Google Nexus 7 32GB Tablet (Gen 2)

 

[BrianSD_42]

The 2014 version is expected to come out any week now!

 

[NateMob]

The 2014 version is expected to come out any week now!

There won't be a 7 this year. out: They are going to a 8.9" device made my HTC.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Well yeah ... Nexus 8 (maybe 8.9) should be awesome!

The 7" screen is discontinued, there will not be a new 7.

 

[Beach Bum]

I would recommend Pioneer and if you want a one stop replacement then get this head unit: Pioneer DEH-80PRS

Vanion, were you able to get the DEH-80PRS to fit in a 3rd gen?

I'm trying to run it active but the rca cables stick out of the back too far to mount the head unit. I'm wondering if some 90* adapters will let me cram the rca cables in the back.

 

[kolelt]

I just picked this up
MVH-X580BS - Digital Media Receiver with enhanced Audio Functions, Full-featured Pioneer ARC App Compatibility, MIXTRAX®, Built-in Bluetooth®, and USB Direct Control for iPod®/iPhone®, Specific Android? Phones, and SiriusXM-Ready? | Pioneer Electroni

And I just noticed it has no CD lol hahah. Oh well, I don't remember last time I listened to a CD. Another reason why I got this because it has 3 RCA outputs. Perfect for my 5 channel amp.

 

[vanion2]

Vanion, were you able to get the DEH-80PRS to fit in a 3rd gen?

I'm trying to run it active but the rca cables stick out of the back too far to mount the head unit. I'm wondering if some 90* adapters will let me cram the rca cables in the back.

I did not have this problem when I installed mine. It's a standard size single DIN hu so my suggestion to you would be look and see what's causing the blockage and see if you can relocate it.

Or you can try turning the dash kit upside down so the tray is above the hu and see if that helps.

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

 

[Skibber]

I recently ordered the Joying 2gb ram 7" android double din for under $300 with the backup cam, dash cam, and obd2 connector for the torque app. Will do a write up and review here once I get it installed. I'm no audiophile so I was looking more for the "smart" features than the best possible sound that I could get.

https://www.carjoying.com/2-din-and...tion-head-unit-universal-car-gps-radio-b.html

 

[Beach Bum]

I did not have this problem when I installed mine. It's a standard size single DIN hu so my suggestion to you would be look and see what's causing the blockage and see if you can relocate it.

Or you can try turning the dash kit upside down so the tray is above the hu and see if that helps.

Already tried mounting the HU above and below the tray. The rca connectors are causing the problem, the connectors stick out of the back too far to mount the HU flush in the dash. They are some old Esoterics that I had from previous builds. Do you know what kind of cables you are using on the 80PRS?

I ended up installing an old P800PRS with out any problems but it has a dongle that the rca cables plug into, so they don't poke out of the back of the HU.

 

[vanion2]

I just used some standard RCA cables. The connections are not very big or bulky so maybe that's why I didn't have any problems.

I don't buy into those "superior" brands because an RCA cable has a standard resistance and I have never had any noise. The HU has 4-5V outputs and I never run power lines in the same path as the signal lines.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

Already tried mounting the HU above and below the tray. The rca connectors are causing the problem, the connectors stick out of the back too far to mount the HU flush in the dash. They are some old Esoterics that I had from previous builds. Do you know what kind of cables you are using on the 80PRS?

I ended up installing an old P800PRS with out any problems but it has a dongle that the rca cables plug into, so they don't poke out of the back of the HU.

There are RCA cables that are angled 90 degrees on one side. Maybe those would work for you. Or something like this

 

[Beach Bum]

Yep, those are the 90* adapters I think I'll try. :music: